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5/28/2004 - The 2004 Cicadas

I'm really glad to see the cicadas again. They emerged when I was a kid in Chicago and I've very fond memories of them. My brother and I were initially terrified by the large, clumsy insects, but soon they became fascinating playthings. The Chicago brood was much denser. The bugs were so thick at one point that you literally couldn't walk down the street without crunching them underfoot. It was amazing, and remains one of my strongest childhood memories. Yes, I really like the cicadas.

As there aren't too many of them around our house, Will and I trekked over to Monticello Park where there were plenty. Nothing like Chicago, but still, plenty. We spent some time snapping pictures, recording sounds, and such. I briefly thought of taking a few home, but as they've been waiting SEVENTEEN YEARS for this time It seems strangely rude to impose upon them.

The Cicada Song

I really dig the unearthly "ray-gun" sound the cicadas make. I've heard that the different species (see below) sing at different times of the day. This recording was made in the afternoon. I think I might haul my Mac back over there to get better versions later.

Cicada Recording - MP3

2004 DC Cicada Pictures

Cicada holes	Cicada Shell	Cicada on Leaf	Cicada on tree 1
Cicada on tree 2	Cicada on tree 3	Cicada Shell on Tree	Brood in the Mood

A Few Cicada Facts Culled From the Web:

The DC area brood is ominously called "Brood X".
Brood X consists of three different species, each with an identifiablely different "song".
Only the male cicadas make noise
Although often referred to as such, cicadas are not locusts.
Cicadas are completely harmless to people.
Cicadas are often called "the perfect dog toy" because they are noisy, slow, and low-flying. Many a dog has made themselves sick gorging on the insects.

I'm old enough now that I should've experienced another emergence somewhere, but I guess my relocation to Norfolk caused me to miss the one in 1987. It's odd indeed to think that I'll be 53 before these guys come around again...